The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) announces today a major effort underway to tackle the devastating condition commonly known as bloat. The Bloat Initiative will address the need for both education and research.

Gastric dilatation – volvulus, or bloat is a devastating condition that can develop in any dog, although it is particularly common in large-breed and deep-chested dogs. Bloat develops when the stomach fills with air and then twists on itself, preventing air and liquid from leaving the stomach. Over time, the stomach gets larger and larger. This cuts off circulation and prevents blood from getting back to the heart from the rest of the abdomen and the rear legs. The stomach wall itself can also be severely damaged from loss of blood flow as can the spleen. Bloat requires immediate stabilization and prompt surgical correction, and may still be fatal in some severely affected dogs.

A committee of experts in the field will review the LOI and CHF will invite selected researchers to submit full proposals. Funding decisions will be announced by October 1, 2013. “Bloat is devastating for dog owners when it occurs. Through this major funding effort, researchers, for the first time, will have the resources they need to work towards establishing the causes and pre-dispositions for bloat,” said Dr. Shila Nordone, Chief Scientific Officer of CHF. “Once we understand why bloat occurs we will have better treatment options and possibly be able to prevent the syndrome from occurring in the first place.”

To help educate dog owners about bloat, CHF will launch a free webinar in mid-2013 describing possible causes of bloat, susceptible breeds, symptoms, medical intervention, and explanation of research needed. “Because bloat progresses so rapidly, part of our focus is on educating the public on the signs and symptoms to look for if they suspect their dog may have bloat,” said Nordone. The Foundation will also provide continuing education for veterinarians showing surgical procedures used for prevention during spay and neuter.

CHF is extremely grateful for the dog clubs that, as the inaugural sponsors of the Bloat Initiative, are making these education and research efforts possible.

Thank you for this information. To many people I have known have lost their spoos to bloat (not to mention all the other breeds affected). I am grateful not to be among them but have had two of mine tacked. The more information we have the safer we can keep them.